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Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos

anonymous tr., 1919

Chapter 8

Hymn

“Come, let us who meditate on holiness clap our hands together as we celebrate this sacred and solemn festival of the Mother of God, and let us glorify the God Whom she bore.”

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Undefiled Bridal-chamber of the Word, and means for the sanctification of us all, hail, all-pure Maiden, the burden of the words of the Prophets; hail, thou Ornament of the Apostles.

Most holy Mother of God, save us.

From thee the dew distilled, O thou who didst quench the flames of paganism; therefore to thee we cry: Hail, Virgin, thou art the dewy fleece foreseen by Gideon.

Glory be to the Father . . .

Behold, to thee we cry aloud: Hail, be thou our haven and our port, when we voyage on the sea of all the tribulations and snares of the Adversary.

Both now, and for ever . . .

O thou who art the cause of joy, give us joy in our hearts that we may cry aloud to thee: Hail, Bush, burning but unconsumed, a cloud full of lights, which unceasingly shelters the faithful.